Black Friday: Downtown Shop-Around!

There’s a change happening in streets across the nation this holiday season as customers opt to do their holiday shopping with local, neighborhood merchants as opposed to big-box retailers and malls. As a testament to this shift, Chinatown merchants are participating in the third annual Downtown Shop-Around happening on Black Friday, November 23.

Steeped in history and bursting with new developments, there’s never been a better time to come check out the new face of Downtown than on Black Friday. After experiencing a retail resurgence, the charming neighborhoods of Downtown now sparkle with an array of unique boutiques, galleries and award-winning restaurants. On Black Friday, the growing Downtown community is coming together to offer shoppers special holiday events and sales to ensure their Christmas shopping kicks off on the right foot, all the while supporting local businesses.

“What really sets Chinatown apart is the fact that we are all independently owned shops, and we all bring a different flavor to the neighborhood. There really is something for everyone here, and best of all, most of the shops are manned by the owners themselves so you really get that hands-on help and knowledge about the product that you won’t find other places,” says Roberta Oaks, owner of Roberta Oaks boutique. “I’m so proud of how far Chinatown has come in these last couple of years. There’s so much to offer from great restaurants to unique shopping. At the Downtown Shop-Around, you’re guaranteed to find something really unique and get to know the stories behind the products as well.”

With nearly 20 local businesses and restaurants participating in this event, there’s truly something for everyone at this year’s Downtown Shop-Around. Start your morning off by browsing through the numerous special events, trunk sales, and gift-with-purchase deals from the countless boutiques that line the streets of Nuuanu, Bethel, Smith and Pauahi. When you’re ready for a little extra energy, head on over to one of the many neighborhood cafes to grab a cappuccino before you make your next round of shopping. To finish your day off, make sure you check out some of the famous restaurants that have made Downtown such a dining destination in Hawai‘i. And when it comes to parking, fret not as you’ll be able to find ample spaces at one of the city’s municipal parking lots or at Mark’s Garage.

With deals everywhere, there’s never been a better time to shop local this holiday season than at the Downtown Shop-Around.